We need your help over the next 48 hours. Parliament is once again looking to change the Easter trading laws. Will Christmas and Anzac Day be next in line for trading law changes?
ACT MP Cameron Luxton is behind the bill, and there seems to be a focus not just on shops in general being able to open, but on being able to sell alcohol. The explanatory note to the bill says:
“This bill removes the restriction on trading and selling alcohol on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.”
Parliament is going to unexpectedly consider the Bill this coming Wednesday morning in its 1st Reading! Sadly, the likes of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other Christian MPs seem happy to support the Bill.
Let’s be clear – changing the law will have cultural consequences.
New Zealand has few completely ‘free’ days off; a day where almost all workers can spend time with their families. Those who say this is about choice conveniently forget that they only get a choice because a whole lot of others will have to work to keep cafes, shops and alcohol stores open for them.
So we need your help.
Please consider emailing your Member of Parliament and asking that they oppose the bill.
Ask your MP if Christmas and Anzac Day will be next? If Good Friday and Easter Sunday are not important enough for protection, then should we expect Anzac Day and Christmas to be next?
There are many other great reasons to reject this bill, so please watch this recent episode of Family Matters where Director of Research Ala Pomelile explains what is the real driving force behind attempts to liberalise the law.
We know it is a busy time of year, but if you can, please take just five minutes to send your local MP/s an email and ask them to vote against the Bill this coming Wednesday.
Let’s give families a break!
